University of Cambridge, 2025-2026

Joud is a Palestinian born and raised in Jerusalem, currently pursuing an MPhil in Genomic Medicine at the University of Cambridge. She is interested in the intersection of genomics, data science and public health and chose the University of Cambridge for its legacy in genetics and pioneering contributions to the field, from the discovery of DNA’s structure to groundbreaking advancements in genomic medicine.

Joud’s interest in the field arose after witnessing the limited access to genetic services in Palestine and the underrepresentation of Middle Eastern populations in global genomic research. Through this programme, she hopes to advance personalised medicine and develop evidence-based strategies that address the distinctive genetic and public health challenges in Palestine and the wider region.

After graduation, Joud plans to become a bioinformatician specialising in genomic medicine. Her long-term goal is to analyse and interpret genetic data to improve healthcare outcomes in Palestine.

“I aim to bridge the gap between research and clinical practice by developing a regional genomic database, advancing precision medicine, and integrating genomics into public health strategies and policies.”